In anticipation of this year’s Christmas in Christ Chapel’s theme, "A Shoot Shall Spring Forth," Gustavus is thrilled to invite you to the Christmas in Christ Chapel Preview Tour this November.
Inspired by deep-dive Bible studies on the prophet Isaiah led by Religion Department Chair Dr. Blake Couey, this preview event expands those learning experiences into an inspirational gathering for the wider community.
Dr. Couey received his Ph.D. from Princeton Theological Seminary in 2009, and he has written extensively on the book of Isaiah, including the book Reading the Poetry of First Isaiah (Oxford University Press, 2015).
Joining these conversations is John Hermanson, an award-winning songwriter and composer of the Storyhill. Rooted in prophetic and mystical traditions, John's sacred songs raise ancient yet urgent theological questions about radical love, care for the poor, and mutual responsibility, written in his compelling, distinctive folk style. John serves as permanent artist-in-residence at Hope Lutheran Church in Bozeman, Montana, and is co-founder of Hope Lutheran's Center for the Arts. He sings with Center for the Arts co-founder Dr. Maren Haynes Marchesini, cellist, vocalist, and composer/arranger, and Hope Lutheran's Director of Music and Worship. Maren also edited and arranged John's Isaiah liturgy for piano and cello.
“This preview tour 'prepares the way' for Advent (to quote Isaiah) with education, inspiration, and an embodiment of the college's foundational relationship with the Church,” says Gustavus Chaplain Ben Hilding ‘09.
What to Expect:
• In-Depth Scripture: Thoughtful Bible study on Isaiah led by Dr. Blake Couey.
• Live Music & Liturgy: Original folk compositions inspired by Isaiah, featuring award-winning songwriter John Hermanson and cellist/vocalist Maren Haynes Marchesini.
• Community Connection: Dialogue, Q&A, and student emcees bringing us together as Gusties and neighbors in anticipation of Advent.
Whether you plan to attend CinCC in person or join our free public livestream, these gatherings offer a wonderful way to extend and deepen our beloved Gustavus tradition.
Many of the faith leaders hosting these performances are themselves Gustavus graduates, and are excited about the opportunities the tour brings.
"I am excited about the preview tour because it is an opportunity to share the gifts of music and fellowship and learning about God's promises with the wider community,” says Rev. Jacie Richmond ‘13, Bethlehem, Mankato. “This event can be a great way to help bring hope and joy to people who perhaps need it a little more right now."
"As a student at Gustavus and a member of choir with a roommate in orchestra, C in CC was something we looked forward to every year,” says Deacon Marie Baker ‘05, Director of Children and Family ministry, Resurrection, Woodbury. “I am excited to bring a taste of Christmas in Christ Chapel to the community I serve.”
“CinCC itself cannot be replicated or replaced anywhere but Christ Chapel,” says Sam Grace ‘11, Director of Music Ministry, St. Philip the Deacon, Plymouth. “But this is not that kind of event. It is, in many ways, additional engagement for superfans: an opportunity to dig into the scripture and thematic material that CinCC promises to bring. It is a way to further engage and magnify the beautiful message of Christ.”
Come join us!
Tour Dates & Locations (Nov 4–15):
• Nov 4: Bethlehem, Mankato (6:00 p.m. Worship & Presentation)
• Nov 5: St. Andrew, Eden Prairie (10:00 a.m.) | Vista, New Richland (7:00 p.m.)
• Nov 7: Trinity, Owatonna (3:00 p.m. Presentation, 5:00 p.m. Worship)
• Nov 8: Bethlehem, Minneapolis (9:00 & 10:30 a.m.) | Gustavus Alumni Hall (6:30 p.m.)
• Nov 10: St. Philip the Deacon, Plymouth (6:30 p.m.)
• Nov 11: Normandale, Edina (6:30 p.m.)
• Nov 12: Oak Knoll, Minnetonka (7:00 p.m.)
• Nov 13: Resurrection, Woodbury (7:00 p.m.)
• Nov 14: San Pablo's Lutheran, Minneapolis (4:00 p.m.)
• Nov 15: Grace University, Minneapolis (10:00 a.m. Worship)
All events are free and open to everyone: bring a friend, neighbor, or fellow Gustie. We hope to see you at a stop near you as we prepare our hearts for the Advent season.
